Shelf Life of Summer Sausage and Meat Sticks

[drunknimortal]

I want to make up some summer sausage and meat sticks for Christmas but I only have time to do it on weekends. Just wondering how long a properly cured and cook product will last in fridge if it is vacuum sealed? They will be shipped to other states sometime in Dec. Should I freeze them? I don't want to degrade the quality in any way.
From what I found online they should last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, would really appreciate some good advice from the pros. Thanks

[Tater]

Good question.  I hope someone chimes in.  I would like to know too.

[pikeman_95]

We freeze our summer sausages in two ways. I have vacuum packed them with good success but the bags are a little expensive. Below is a link that shows how we usually freeze our sausages. This system keeps them from freezer burning and we have stored it for more then a year. After thawing it is best to let it have a day in the fridge to let the moisture redistribute through out the sausage. I have found that this method gives you sausage that is about the same as the fresh smoked sausages.

http://s943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/A%20%20SAUSAGE%20WITH%20FRIENDS%20280%20POUNDS/?action=view&current=HOWTOWRAPTHESAUSAGE.mp4
Kirby

[NePaSmoKer]

Vac sealed Summer, bologna types = 2 months in the fridge. Freezer = up to 1 year or more if wrapped correctly

Opened = 2-3 weeks in fridge


Dry cured/smoked, pepperoni, jerky, salami types unopened = Pantry safe for 1 year.

Hope this helps some.

[pikeman_95]

Nepas is right on with those times
KC

[OU812]

I do it just like Kirby, but rather than the foil I wrap in freezer paper

[Brady Smoker!]

Kirby how do you mak that summer sausage? it looks excellent

[pikeman_95]

check your personal message and I will send them to you.
Kirby

[JZ]

Great idea and thanks for the video link Kirby. Much cheaper than vac bags and maybe faster too. ;D